Wednesday, February 4, 1998Last modified at 1:08 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 1998

Curry County picks new sheriff

Morris News Service

CLOVIS, N.M. - For the second time in less than a year, Curry County has a new sheriff.

Following a 20-minute executive session Tuesday, County Commissioners unanimously approved the appointment of chief deputy Charles Vannatta as the county's sheriff. The new job carries a pay raise for Vannatta, from $29,496 a year to $36,685.

The general election in November will determine who will serve as Curry County's next sheriff. Vannatta said he plans to run for election as a Democrat.

Vannatta takes over the position left vacant by Matt Murray, who resigned Jan. 23 to take a state job after serving as the appointed sheriff since June 17.

Vannatta first began working for the Curry County Sheriff's Department in 1989. He left in 1992 to farm and returned three years ago. His law enforcement career began working in 1983 with the Portales Police Department. He later worked for the Roosevelt County Sheriff's Department. Murray also had been chief deputy for the Curry County Sheriff's Department when commissioners appointed him to replace former Sheriff Mike Jackson, who resigned June 5.